6 min 
Double Diamond Model: How Does It Work?
Digital product development goes wrong when assumptions take the lead. The Double Diamond model helps prevent this by making sure you understand the problem before you start building a solution.
At GlobalOrange, we use it to connect strategy, technology and UX. It is an integral part of our Product Discovery Workshops, where we help clients refine and validate their product ideas.
How does the model work, and why is it useful for teams that want to innovate?
What is the Double Diamond model?
The Double Diamond model gives structure to the design thinking mindset. Both emphasise human-centred thinking, creativity and iteration. The model provides a visual framework with four phases arranged across two diamonds:
- Discover — explore the problem
- Define — identify the right challenge
- Develop — explore possible solutions
- Deliver — test and refine the solution
The first diamond is about understanding the problem; the second is about finding the right solution. This sounds straightforward, but teams often skip these steps in the rush to build features.
Why the Double Diamond model works
1. It helps prevent solution bias
Without a clear process, teams jump straight into solution mode. The Double Diamond model encourages you to explore first: what is the user’s actual problem? What are their circumstances, needs and obstacles?
2. It makes collaboration more effective
Alternating between divergence (exploring options) and convergence (making choices) creates focus. Stakeholders understand where they are in the process, while teams share a common language and expectations.
3. It enables early validation
Because the model is iterative, you can test assumptions quickly. You validate the problem first, then the concept. This helps avoid spending months developing something that nobody needs.
How we use it at GlobalOrange
We integrate the Double Diamond model into our Product Discovery Workshops. Day one focuses on exploring the problem (Diamond 1); day two on designing solutions (Diamond 2). Within three days, we create a clear roadmap supported by business, technology and UX.
We use this approach with:
- Start-ups that need to refine their MVP
- Scale-ups struggling with feature creep
- Established businesses that want to become more customer-focused
When to use the Double Diamond model
Use the model for:
- New product ideas
- Defining the scope of an MVP
- Modernising a digital product
- UX redesign projects
It is less suitable for small optimisations or purely technical sprints with no impact on UX.
The Double Diamond model is ideal for software development.
From a vague idea to a concrete plan
A client asked us to “do something with AI to improve customer segmentation”. It sounded promising, but our research revealed a different need: customers primarily wanted better insight into their own data.
Using the Double Diamond model, we:
- Interviewed users (Discover)
- Defined the core need: data transparency (Define)
- Developed and tested three concepts (Develop)
- Built an initial version focused on dashboards rather than AI (Deliver)
Without this approach, the client would have started a lengthy development project for a module that users did not need. Instead, we delivered an initial version within six weeks that provided immediate value.
More about Double Diamond
Where did the Double Diamond model originate?
The UK Design Council began sharing the Double Diamond in 2004. The organisation, founded in 1944, promotes design as a way to improve people’s lives. The model addressed a need for a clear, accessible way to describe the design process.
By examining how leading organisations worked, the team identified a common pattern: exploring possibilities, then narrowing them down. This became the basis of a model now used around the world. Read the Design Council’s history of the Double Diamond.
What are the four phases of Double Diamond?
- Discover — understand the problem.
Immerse yourself in the user’s world. Research, observe and listen without jumping to conclusions. - Define — frame the right challenge.
Use your findings to identify the core problem and agree on a clear problem statement. - Develop — explore possible solutions.
Generate ideas, combine perspectives and develop concepts. This is another opportunity to explore widely. - Deliver — test and scale solutions.
Test the most promising options. Refine what works and discard what does not. Small iterations lead to better outcomes.
The Double Diamond model in developing 100+ successful SaaS products and platforms
